Liverpool are on the brink of a sensational swoop for Florian Wirtz, with Bayer Leverkusen reportedly giving the green light for the attacking midfielder to make his dream move to Anfield. The Reds have been linked with the German starlet since the end of the season and they appear to have beaten rivals Manchester City and Bayern Munich in the race for his signature.
Negotiations between Liverpool and Leverkusen have been ongoing, but it now appears that an agreement has been reached. Belgian reports suggest that the Bundesliga outfit have given Wirtz the go-ahead to complete his switch to Anfield, with a fee of £126million agreed upon and personal terms already settled.
Rudi Voller, Leverkusen's former sporting director, recently hinted at positive progress in talks, stating on DAZN: "It's no secret that he'd like to go to Liverpool. I know the clubs are negotiating with each other.
"[But with] transfers like this [it's] often the case that it takes a while until an agreement is finally reached. Of course, in the end, you have the feeling it will go through.
"Florian Wirtz has proven that he is a very, very valuable player. Not only for Bayer Leverkusen but also for the national team. That's why he costs a few euros more."
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has also given his verdict on rumours linking Wirtz to Liverpool, saying: "There are rumours obviously, Florian Wirtz.
"A big talent who's done fantastic for Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen. He's got a huge future in front of him, so if Liverpool is the place for him, let's hope we can make it happen."
Should Wirtz head to Merseyside in a potential British record transfer, he would follow in the footsteps of Jeremie Frimpong, who moved from Leverkusen to Liverpool for roughly £35m.
Liverpool's transfer endeavours seem far from over, as the club close in on goalkeeper Armin Pecsi for a modest fee of £1.5m and also hope to prise away Milos Kerkez, despite Bournemouth's hefty £45m valuation.